Erua: Discover timber industry history and nature

In Erua, the history of the timber industry can be experienced at specific sites and along historic routes. The Marton Sash and Door Company operated timber extraction and sawmills in Waimarino (National Park) and Erua from 1925 to 1957. The Marton Sash and Door Trail passes remnants from this period, bringing the industrial history to life on a short cycling loop.

Traces of the timber industry

The Marton Sash and Door Trail is a short, pleasant cycling loop suitable for most age groups and fitness levels. Remnants along the route include the remains of wooden bridges, a small timber dam, pumice cuttings, and rail iron. This way, you encounter the history not only in company records, but also in the surviving traces along the route.

Nearby is the Marton Sash & Door Company sawmill site. It includes remnants of dismantling benches, engine blocks, a Dutch oven, a movable water tank, rails laid in the ground, a loading bench, and a timber-treatment vat.

On a guided excursion in 2025, a Tramway Walk near Erua covered about four kilometres of a historic tramway network. With stops and commentary, the tour took approximately two hours; it led to a well-preserved timber landing and the remains of an old wooden bridge.

Makatote Tramway is a private historic Category 2 site on State Highway 4, about five kilometres south of Erua. It is associated with the early years of the timber industry on New Zealand’s central North Island. There is no public access.

Erua Recreation Reserve is also closely connected with the locality: it is a 4.0469-hectare historic reserve in the settlement of Erua, managed by Ngāti Hāua.

Nature and trails nearby

The nearby Ngātokoerua Scenic Reserve, formerly known as Erua Forest, is home to significant populations of the endangered North Island brown kiwi and whio (blue duck). Hunting for red deer, fallow deer, pigs, and goats is also offered in the reserve. The main access points include Erua Road and Fishers Track, beyond Waimarino.

The Tupapakurua Falls Walk begins on Fishers Road in National Park Village. From there, it runs through Erua Forest to Taranaki Lookout, then to the viewpoint overlooking Tupapakurua Falls. Makatote Viaduct can be seen from roadside viewpoints on State Highway 4 between Pokaka and Erua, and from Makatote Scenic Reserve.

Local conditions can change on cycling loops and walking tracks, so check them before setting out. If you plan to hunt in Ngātokoerua Scenic Reserve, also check the Department of Conservation’s current permit and safety requirements, as these may change.

Erua in the wider region

The wider Ruapehu District has two isite visitor information centres, in Taumarunui and Ohakune. They offer expert local knowledge and free, impartial travel advice. The Ruapehu District also includes the western half of Tongariro National Park, a dual World Heritage area, and part of Whanganui National Park.

Discover more destinations: Taumarunui, Raurimu, Kakahi, Owhango, Ohakune, Raetihi, Tongariro National Park, Retaruke.

For the wider travel overview: Ruapehu District.